WHOLESOME WORDS

WHOLESOME WORDS

READ:
Ephesians 4:25-32

Let no corrupt word proceed
out of your mouth, but what is
good for necessary edification,
that it may impart grace to the
hearers.  -Ephesians 4:29

A while back, an Emmy award-winning actress took a courageous stand and walked out in the middle of the Annual American Music Awards ceremony.  Her reason?  She grew increasingly upset and disappointed by what she described as "an onslaught of lewd jokes and off-color remarks" and raw and raunchy comments by presenters, performers, and hosts.  She said the evening was an affront to anyone with a shred of dignity and self-respect.

Unwholesome speech was a problem even in the apostle Paul's day.  He reminded the Christians at Ephesus that they should put away vulgarity, lewdness, slander, and obscene talk from their lives (Ephesians 5:4; Colossians 3:8).  These were expressions of their old lives (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and it was now out of place with their new identity in Christ.  Instead, their lives were to be characterized by wholesome speech.  Their good or wholesome words would give grace to the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).  The Holy Spirit would help guard their speech, convict of any filthy talk, and help them to use words to benefit others (John 16:7-13).

We are called to reflect God with all we are, and that includes our words.  May our mouths be filled with thanksgiving and words that benefit others. -Marvin Williams

Holy Spirit, we need Your help.  Guard our hearts
and minds today.  Help us control our thoughts and
words so that we might lift others up and show them
who You are and what You've done in us.  Amen.
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Wholesome words flow out of a life made new.

INSIGHT
Christians are to live differently than non-Christians in philosophy, morality, and purity (Ephesians 4:17-24).  Christians also have a different standard for speech.  We are not to tell lies (v.25); use unwholesome, foul, or abusive language (v.29); or use bitter, angry, harsh, slanderous, or malicious words (v.31).  Instead, we are to speak truthfully (v.25) and gracefully, with words that will edify, build up, encourage, and benefit those who listen (v.29).  As Christ-followers, we do well to imitate Jesus for "all spoke well of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips" (Luke 4:22 NIV).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace